The average HVAC system can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years, depending on its upkeep and maintenance. HVAC systems are some of the most important systems in your home and experience heavy use year-round. Because of this, homeowners need to prioritize proper HVAC maintenance.
One way you can improve your HVAC maintenance is by hiring an HVAC technician for regular HVAC inspections and repairs. Do you want to learn more about how to choose the best HVAC technician for your home?
Keep reading this HVAC technician guide for the top factors you need to consider when choosing an HVAC technician to work with!
Prioritize HVAC Experience
One of the most important things you must consider when you are hiring an HVAC company is their experience in the industry. A company with years of experience will have more qualifications and will be able to provide you with better services than a company that has just opened.
It will also ensure that they have dealt with many different types of HVAC problems in the past and that they know the solutions for any problem you are experiencing.
For example, a high-quality HVAC company with a decade of experience may be able to diagnose an issue with your HVAC system simply by listening to the noise it makes as it is running.
When you hire an experienced HVAC technician, you can be confident that they will be able to fix your HVAC issues and provide you with the best services possible.
Get Recommendations
Next, you can ask other locals for recommendations for a reliable HVAC technician. When you have friends or family members that live in your area, it is likely that they have had work done on their HVAC in the past.
You can ask them for the names of companies that they have worked with in the past. This is also a great opportunity to ask specific questions about their experience. Did the company offer great customer service?
How was the pricing? Asking these types of questions will help you learn more about the overall quality of work that a company will provide.
Even if you don’t have local friends or family, you can ask other people for reviews. For example, employees at a local home improvement store may know of a reliable company that you can contact.
Research Reputation
Something that makes it easy to learn more about a business is researching its reputation. A company that has been around for years and has glowing reviews from past customers is obviously doing something right!
One way you can learn more about a company’s reputation is by reading its online reviews. You can learn more about the experiences that past clients have had while working with the company. It will also help you be prepared for the services you are receiving.
Make sure you hire a company that has a pattern of positive feedback from their past clients!
You can also use other websites, like the Better Business Bureau, to make sure the company doesn’t have any outstanding complaints from its customers.
Find a Licensed and Insured Company
Whenever you are hiring a company to do work in your home, you must ensure that they have the right credentials.
One of the most important things to consider is whether they are licensed. This is a requirement in many states and will ensure that you are working with a company that has the right qualifications and training.
Often, companies will display their licensing information on their website, so you can be sure that their business license is up-to-date.
Next, you need to find a company that is insured. Because the company’s employees will be working on your property, there is always a chance that they can cause damage to your belongings.
Plus, there is always a chance that they could get injured while working on your property. If the company is not fully insured, you may be held liable for the accidental injuries or damage that occur on your property.
To be protected financially, you must ensure that your HVAC company has up-to-date insurance coverage.
Additional Certifications
Not only do you want to make sure you hire a company that is licensed and insured, but you should also find a company that has additional certifications. This shows that they prioritize their professionalism and are willing to work to be more qualified in the industry.
One of the most common certifications you can look for in an HVAC company is a N.A.T.E certification. This stands for North American Technician Excellence and is only given to organizations that pass a knowledge exam about HVAC systems.
To get this certification, organizations must also complete a certain amount of continuing education credit hours each year. This way, they will stay knowledgeable about the current practices in the industry.
While these additional certifications are not necessary qualifications to be a reliable HVAC technician, they can help you choose between two companies with very similar qualifications.
Ask About Additional Services
When you are working with an HVAC technician, you should ask them if they provide any additional services. Whether you are hiring a company for HVAC repair or installation, you should ensure that they can help you with other HVAC needs.
For example, you may want to find a company that offers air conditioning installation, repairs, maintenance, and even filter replacement.
This way, you will have a one-stop service for all of your HVAC needs. Should another issue arise with your HVAC, you will already have a trusted company that you can turn to.
It will also provide you with a great resource if you have any other HVAC needs in the future.
Get Pricing Estimates
Next, you can ask an HVAC company for pricing estimates for the services that you need. Price is an important factor to consider when choosing a company to work with.
You need to make sure you can afford the services you are getting, so getting a free pricing estimate will make it easier to compare prices between different companies.
Still, you may not want to choose a company just because they offer the lowest prices. Instead, you need to weigh the price of the services with the value the company provides.
This way, you will not get low-quality services from your HVAC company. Whether you need help with HVAC installation or repairs, you should always get a pricing estimate!
Use the Right Tools and Equipment
When looking for a reliable HVAC company to work with, you must also ensure that they use the right tools and equipment on the job. HVAC systems can be very complex and require specific tools to complete different types of repairs or installations.
Finding a company that uses the right equipment and tools for your HVAC services will ensure that your system is taken care of properly.
It is also important that you find a company that is trained on the right safety processes to follow during repairs or other types of work on HVAC systems. Some tools need specialized training and it can be easy to make a dangerous mistake when working on an HVAC system.
To ensure that you and your home are protected during your HVAC services, you must make sure you find a company that follows the best practices when it comes to safety procedures and training.
Request a Written Contract
Finally, it is essential that you get everything in writing when you are working with an HVAC technician. After being given a consultation or a pricing estimate, you should make sure they give you a contract.
Not only will this help you keep track of numbers and compare pricing between different companies, but it will also protect you financially.
Sometimes, unreliable HVAC companies will go back on their word or upcharge you for their services. If this happens, you can prove that they made a mistake with the written contract.
Make sure you ask them to write down everything included in their services, the pricing, and more. This will keep you safe from dishonest companies!
Find an HVAC Technician Today
Getting professional help with an HVAC inspection and maintenance is necessary to extend the lifespan of your HVAC. To make sure you find a qualified company, you must take each of these HVAC technician tips into consideration.
Do you need to hire an HVAC technician to work in your home? HVAC Tricks can help! We provide residential HVAC services including installation, repairs, maintenance, and more.
Contact our team of HVAC experts today to learn more about our services and to schedule an appointment for maintenance or repairs.
